Beans & Peas, Southern Sides
Southern
Yield: 8-10
Author: Tammy Nichols
Great Northern Beans - Master Cookbook Recipe # 643

Great Northern Beans - Master Cookbook Recipe # 643

These Great Northern Beans are a classic Southern comfort food, known for their creamy texture and mild flavor. By using a slow overnight soak and simmering them with smoky pork and chicken bouillon, you create a rich, savory broth and perfectly tender beans. It’s a simple, nourishing dish that tastes even better the next day!

This is recipe #643 in Tammy’s Master Cookbook.

Prep time: 15 minCook time: 1 hr 30 min Total time: 1 hr 45 min
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Ingredients

  • 16 oz package Dried Great Northern beans
  • 1 cup Chopped smoked pork
  • 2 tsp Chicken bouillon granules
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper
  • As needed Water

Instructions

  1. Sort & Rinse: Examine your dried beans and remove any dark, discolored, or "ugly" beans. Rinse the remaining beans thoroughly under cold water and drain.
  2. Initial Boil: Place the beans in a large stockpot and add enough water to cover them by at least 3 inches. Add the pepper, chicken bouillon, and smoked pork.
  3. The Quick Soak: Bring the pot to a high boil and let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes. Turn off the heat, cover with a lid, and let the beans sit for 1.5 hours.
  4. Overnight Prep: Place the covered pot in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the beans to hydrate fully and the flavors to meld.
  5. Simmer: The next day, bring the pot back to a boil. Check the water level and add more if needed to keep the beans covered. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the beans are perfectly tender.
  6. Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy as a main dish or a hearty side.

Notes

Tammy’s Tips

The secret to these beans is the overnight soak,it's what gives them that buttery, creamy consistency Southern beans are famous for! Using chopped smoked pork provides a deep, campfire flavor that bouillon alone can't replicate. If you want to see exactly how I prep these for the best results, you can watch the video here: Great Northern Beans. This recipe pairs perfectly with a fresh batch of cornbread for dipping!

Nutrition Facts

Calories

464

Fat

14 g

Sat. Fat

5 g

Carbs

85 g

Fiber

4 g

Net carbs

81 g

Sugar

62 g

Protein

6 g

Sodium

315 mg

Cholesterol

13 mg